The Purpose of Money; Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12

King Solomon's Temple

In week 5 of our bible study, "A Life Well Lived" King Solomon schooled us on the topic of money.  Complete this phrase:

If only I had ______________, then I'd be happy.  There is always something better in our minds.  Satisfaction is only guaranteed for a little while.  Let me keep it real, I wouldn't mind having a BMW or a bigger house but I am thankful and grateful for what I do have, no matter what.  I used to tell myself that if I could just win the lottery, I can help so many people but God never asked me to do his job.  When He does inspire me to do something, please believe He will give me the resources to do it.  Something more like common sense than money.

In Ecclesiastes 5:10 he says, "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income.  This too is vanity."   Bottom line:  We always tend to think of something better than what we already have.

In 5:11 he goes on to say, "When good things increase, those who consume them increase.  So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on?"   Bottom line:  Don't let what you don't have take away from the joy of what you do have.

6:7 says, "All a man's labor is for his mouth and yet the appetite is not satisfied."  Bottom line:  Once you have eaten, you will eventually be hungry again.  The concept is the same for everything.   How many times have you desired something and once you have gotten it, eventually you want something new or better than what you already have?  I know none of you are like that but I'm just sayin.

6:9 "What the eye sees is better than what the soul desires."  Bottom line:  What you see in front of you is what you already have, which isn't always good enough.  You always want more and more of what you don't have and your soul seems to desire what you don't have.

My take away from this entire lesson is:  Money fails, homes fail, cars fail, people fail but God never fails and He will supply your every need if you get out of His way.  The best things in life really are free.

From my soul to yours,

Starla Danielle Espinoza

Never Satisfied

The other day I was telling my oldest daughter that it is nearly impossible for us to be content as human beings.  Case in point, we were discussing all the cars that I have ever had in my life.  Chevy Monte Carlo, Mazda Protege, Nissan Altima, Nissan Pathfinder, Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler Town and Country and currently, a Nissan Quest.  From compact to mid size sedan, sport utility to mini van I have received the desires of my heart when it comes to cars.  About a year ago, I voluntarily surrendered my Chrysler Aspen because the payments were ridiculous and that was when Chrysler was going down.  We were blessed  to get a 2002 Nissan Quest for many reasons.  Not only is it more affordable, it's perfect for our family of 5.  I no longer cringe at the gas pump plus I can zip in and out of parking spots like it ain't nothing.  My point is I recently had the nerve to entertain the thought of trading in my little mini van for something "newer" and "more stylish".  Then the holy spirit helped me check myself because for one thing, we are blessed to have something reliable on top of everything else that we need in a vehicle.  Funny thing is, when I see a Cadillac Escalade roll by me, I am thankful that I don't have something that requires a minimum of $80 for gas.  Been there, done that and it ain't for me.  For me it is better to be practical than proud and we learned a lesson about being content with what we have.  Not only that but humility as well.  We have never been able to keep up with the Joneses, and where are they anyway? This crazy roller coaster reminds me of Solomon's futile pursuit of fulfillment through possessions, wealth, indulgence achievements and great fame (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11).  Not only did all fail to bring enduring satisfaction, it was "vanity and striving after the wind."  It was basically futile which means:

1. having no effective result; unsuccessful

2. pointless; unimportant; trifling

3. inane or foolish don't be so futile!


We have all done it in one area of life or another.  We have to be reminded daily that we came naked and we will return as we came.  We will take nothing from the fruit of our labor that we can carry.


                                                                         Starla Espinoza